Northstar wins RA Summer Exhibition study

UK — Northstar Research Partners has been commissioned by the Royal Academy (RA) to conduct an ethnography study on its annual Summer Exhibition.

The exhibition, which has been held without interruption since 1769, displays works in a variety of mediums and genres by emerging and established contemporary artists.

Through the study, which will focus on understanding how visitors behave and interact while attending the exhibition, the RA is looking to gain a “deeper understanding of the cultural value of this unique annual event and how it can make the most of this amazing asset”.

Northstar ethnographers will record and observe the exhibition for a period of 20 hours, with variations around days, times, exhibit areas, entry area, shop area and café. The information from the study will help the RA to frame future discussions around the experience of art within a broader social context.